Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

There is no status formally recognized as legal separation in the Commonwealth, but for puposes of establishing the grounds for no fault divorce described in Va. Code Sec. 20-91(living separate and apart for the required period continuously with no cohabitation), there is now Virginia caselaw which allows for it.

Yes. Just don't sleep together, don't take meals togeher, don't go to social functions together, and let folks close to you know that you are separated with the intent to get divorced, just living under the same roof for financial reasons.

It is possible in some situations. But, if one of you changes your mind and wants to cause problems.....you may run into some difficulties.